Turf Management

Front 1

Cool-Season Grass

Back 1

Grass characterized by maximum growth in cool spring and fall and becoming semi-dormant during hot and/or dry periods of summer.

Front 2

Cutting Height

Back 2

In mowing lawns, the measurement from grass clipped to soil line

Front 3

Damping off

Back 3

A plant disease caused by fungus in the soil. Causes seedlings to die immediately before or just after they break through the soil. Careful watering, good drainage, and disinfecting seed bed soil help in preventing damping off.

Front 4

Endophytic Grass

Back 4

Grass with a fungus living inside which enhances the qualities of the turf without being visible on the surface.

Endophytic grasses have a high tolerance for environmental stresses and may perform well under low-maintenance regimes.

Front 5

Grain

Back 5

Pertaining to lawns, describes the tendency of blades to lean in the direction of mowing or the grass to grow horizontally in certain directions other than vertically.

Front 6

Overseeding

Back 6

Applying seed to existing turf

Front 7

Sod

Back 7

A surface of earth covered with grass.

Also a section of ground containing top growth of grass and the matted roots used to cover bare soil.

Front 8

Sodding

Back 8

The process of covering a given area with turf grass. Sods of turf grass with adhering soil can be used in sizes varying from small plugs or strips to large blocks or squares.

Front 9

Spreading

Back 9

The procedure used to apply grass seed or fertilizer to soil or lawns by use of a spreading device.

Front 10

Stress

Back 10

The external factors that inhibit perfect plant growth, i.e., all factors pertaining to the wide-ranging conditions of nature and human’s understanding, knowledge and experience in contending with these conditions.

Front 11

Thatch

Back 11

An organic layer that forms between the soil surface and the grass canopy, composed of dead organic material and living grass roots, crowns, and stems.

Front 12

Turf

Back 12

A dense or matted growth of grasses with intermingled roots that form a mat.

Front 13

Vertical Mower

Back 13

A mechanical device with vertically rotating blades which cut into turf to reduce thatch, grain, and surface compaction.

Front 14

Warm-season Grass

Back 14

Grass characterized by active growth during the summer months.